Brasilia Dress | A Finish {Dressmaking}

Look at that! I finished a second dress! It is all about making dresses at MiH! This was an experiment on so many levels. First of all the fabric, Rachel (who wrote this amazing pattern) used cotton satin and I wanted a similar fabric and found some at my local John Lewis (in Welwyn Garden City) - except that there was only one pattern. And it was not exactly my typical style, but I thought change would be good. And I was right, that pattern and that fabric totally work together!

Secondly, the pattern I tested did not have many instructions - one size and a list of steps... I have not many dresses and this has scared me for a while. Could I do the grading and make a dress that actually fits me? Actually the grading was minimum in my case as the only thing to change was the waist. 

I made my version a bit longer. Actually I was not sure how long I wanted it so left myself plenty of fabric to decided when I could actually wear it - just to keep my body a bit in proportion. 

I must admit my finishing is not the best but I just wanted to finish it and wear it! I am assuming the finalised version will be much more comprehensive than I have - and that means even quicker to finish (it must have taken me 4 or 5 hours to sew without the grading and cutting of the fabric). I may actually make a few versions of this - one for work (probably a bit less loud) and maybe one with short sleeves and shorter..

It may look a simple shift dress, but actually the clever use of seams and add-on sides really make it flattering for every body type. 

I will be wearing it (probably) at Mr MiH's Christmas do - so I am guaranteed not to find the same dress on anyone else!

On a side note the finalised pattern will be available around Christmas time - I will let you know! 

PS: Many thanks for all the wishes about my going back to work. It is amazing how quickly you get into being there, and Baby MiH is absolutely loving nursery - I could not be happier for him!

The Brasilia Dress | WIP {Dressmaking}

I know I still have many WIPs that are sitting in my to-do box and adding one more project should really not be on my agenda. But I really wanted to test the Brasilia dress pattern. I thought this was the perfect dress for Mr MiH forthcoming Christmas do (massive event usually in some posh venue, although in Luton this year, hmm yes...). 

Rachel's version

My original idea was a black version of the dress - always good for testing a pattern and when I am going to challenge my sewing skills. But I found this fabric at my local John Lewis and just knew I had to use it. 

Clearly this is not my usual style. And looking at the fabric laying flat on my living room floor I did not really like it anymore. Never mind, it was the fabric I chose and I was going to make a dress out of it! 

I did the grading, it was not as bad as I feared as it was a case of widening (quite a bit) the waist and shortening the top half of the body. I also lengthen the bottom of the dress, but I am not sure whether I am going to keep that modification, I just wanted to have the option. 

I am making very good progress. The front panel is already made, I just need to get on the case of the invisible zipper...